Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  April 9, 2020

Neenah cuts emissions by 15%, energy use by 18%

Neenah reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 15% and cut energy consumption by more than 18%.

The paper product manufacturer published on April 8 their 2020 Sustainability Report. The report also states that they purchase over 30,000 MW of renewable energy annually, making them the largest purchaser of Green-e certified renewable energy in the state of Wisconsin.

“Sustainability is nothing new at Neenah, nor do we consider it simply the topic du jour,” President and CEO John O’Donnell said in an opening letter to the report. “The quest for sustainability is a continuous one and I’m pleased with what we’ve accomplished thus far. As Neenah has grown and expanded its global presence, this has brought added responsibilities. This is not a burden, but a duty, and it’s clear to me that doing the right thing in these areas also makes good economic sense. We will continue our commitment to caring for people and our planet as we consider the future in all areas of our company.”

Neenah’s energy strategy includes incorporating clean energy from co-generation and hydro-generated sources, as well as purchasing renewable power. According to the sustainability report, the manufacturing plants in Appleton, Wis., and Bruckmühl, Germany

both generate almost a third of their electrical needs from on-site hydropower. Additionally, the mill in Munising, Mich., utilizes waste steam from electrical generation.

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their operations, Neenah also invested more than €7 million at their Weidach, Germany mill to install a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) that has enabled the mill to reduce Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions by approximately 60% and formaldehyde emissions by 90%. The RTO also generates steam and reduces the mill’s natural gas consumption by 40%.